Eugene W. Hancock Papers

Eugene W. Hancock was born in St. Louis, MO, on February 17, 1929 and died on January 21, 1994. He received his bachelor of music degree from the University of Detroit, his master's degree from the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, and a doctorate in sacred music from Union Theological Seminary in New York.

In New York he served as assistant organist at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine (1963-66), organist-choirmaster of St. Philip's Episcopal Church (1974-82), and organist-choirmaster and director of music at West End Presbyterian Church (1982-90). In Detroit he was organist-choirmaster at New Calvary Baptist Church (1967-70), St. Philip's Lutheran Church and St. Titus Lutheran Church.

Eugene W. Hancock was a professor of music at the Borough of Manhattan Community College (CUNY) from 1970 until his death in 1994.

He was the presenter and performer for the American Guild of Organists Educational Cassette Organ Music of Black Composers (1992). The American Organist published his article "Organ Music by Black Composers" in 1981.

His own compositions include Absalom and Nunc Dimittis for baritone and piano (1977); As Smoke Is Blown Away for SATB, organ, brass quartet and timpani; numerous anthems and hymn tunes. Many of his works were published, and several have been included in anthologies.

Eugene W. Hancock was an active member of the American Guild of Organists, serving as sub-dean of the New York City AGO Chapter. He was also a member of the National Association of Negro Musicians, the Association of Anglican Musicians, The Bohemians, the Saint Wilfrid Club, the Society of College Composers, the Hymn Society of America and the Presbyterian Association of Musicians.

Sources: Selah Publishing Co. biography of Eugene W. Hancock; Andrej Koymasky biography of Eugene W. Hancock; biography found in collection.